Austin, Tx

An overnight stop in Austin was a must on our trip to San Antonio, both going and coming. We never pass an opportunity to visit my niece Kelly and her husband Sean.  As we crossed Congress the 5 o'clock traffic poured south away from town.

We never time it right to see the bats fly from under the bridge but the birds sure took their place in the air.

Kelly and Sean joined us at our favorite Mexican spot, Pulvo's, for supper. When I get a new iphone with a flash you will be able to see their faces.

And I am supposed to eat all of this?

The next day we stopped by their new home. What a great little place it is and not far from town nor the Elk's Lodge where we like to park.

So where is everyone? Oh! At work I guess. Will they even know we were here?

We soon found ourselves at the mall doing a little Christmas shopping.

At lunchtime you can bet we were in town at the Whole Foods Market. We love to eat at Whole Foods whenever we find one.

After lunch it was off to Tyler for the evening and home to Hot Springs the next day! Can't wait to go back to Texas. I think my favorite site of the trip was this downtown building that is supposedly a Rice Owl keeping an eye on those Texas Longhorns. True or not? I love the legend either way.

Lackland AFB final two days

On Saturday we really had a feast when we got to eat some Texas Bar B Q. At Bill Miller's we had a choice of brisket, chicken, ribs, and much more. This may be where I gained my four pounds.

The rest of the folks did some shopping before Trish and Steve had to catch a plane. Leon and I went back to our camping spot to do some work.

After he use his ingenious method of adding water we decided to go tour the missions and botanical gardens.

On Sunday Tina and Robert came over and we grilled for Gunnar's final big meal in Texas. Gunnar had to stay on base this day.

Grandpa and Gunnar chowed .. Leon had soy, Gunnar had a T-bone.

This was the first time to set the table and have real company for dinner.

After Tina and Robert headed back to California we visited some of the airplanes on base.

At 6 Gunnar headed back to his barracks in the nick of time! He did make one final visit to Burger King before hurrying across the street.

We are still on base Monday morning and he is already in Ft. Worth eating at Luby's and heading to his next assignment. What a wonderful few days it was of visiting with family in the warm San Antonio sunshine.

Lackland to San Antonio: Freedom at last

"Airman Bird, what would you like to do?"     ...   "Get a hamburger."

The County Line on the Riverwalk was a good place to visit and satisfy our appetites. Rick, a friend of Steve's, joined us.

I always stop for mariachis. They were playing at several Mexican restaurants along the riverwalk.

Gunnar and his mom Trisha.

The group is now ready for a riverboat tour. It was actually very pleasant and informative. Leon and I had already walked it all but a good way for the group to see it.

Dad Robert and Gunnar at the La Villita church. This is a beautiful little church in the old shopping center of La Villita. Not many of the shops were open when we went through.

As we were strolling the streets I had to go in the Hilton and check out the gingerbread house.

The chef was keeping a watchful eye.

Are these papayas growing outside the Alamo?

Of course everyone who visits San Antonio must tour the Alamo. It was one of the five missions in San Antonio which became famous for the battle fought there for Texas' independence.

Gunnar and Robert look at a display while I get in trouble for taking a photo.

After touring the Rivercenter, visiting Starbucks, and much more strolling we arrived at the Spurs basketball game. This way Gunnar could stay off base a little longer. It was really quite fun and my first pro basketball game.  The Spurs managed a comeback to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves by two points.

What an exhilarating and exhausting day!!!

Lackland AFB graduation

This was the big day. Graduation from basic military training for Gunnar.

Dad, Tina, Grandpa, Mom and Steve all settled in on the bleachers.

How happy can one be!

Tina and Robert are so proud and glad to be out of California for a few days!

The squadrons passed in front of the reviewing stand.

Such precision!

The flyover salute was impressive.

Yes, Gunnar is in the group to the left of the band.

Some of the men in Airman Bird's life: Steve, Dad, and Grandpa.

After graduation we toured the barracks. Grandpa gave the bed the quarter test.

Check out these smiling socks.

I bet this is a new way for Gunnar to live.

And now it is time to spend the afternoon off base!